Strait Ahead. Toward a Sustainable, Economic, and Secure Electricity Supply in Singapore. By H.B. Gooi, P.L. So, E.K. Chan, E. Toh, and H.

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1 Strait Ahead Toward a Sustainable, Economic, and Secure Electricity Supply in Singapore By H.B. Gooi, P.L. So, E.K. Chan, E. Toh, and H. Gan Digital Object Identifier /MPE Date of publication: 18 June 2012 ARTVILLE, LLC. GIVEN THE INCREASE IN global energy consumption in tandem with economic growth and finite supplies of fossil fuels, the cost of producing electricity from conventional generating sources has increased steadily. At the same time, rising CO 2 emissions have strengthened the impetus in the international community to address climate change issues through strategies such as energy efficiency and promoting renewable and alternative sources of energy. Such trends have an important bearing on Singapore given its scarce natural resources. They open up a window of opportunity for Singapore to pursue growth in research areas such as clean energy, microgrids, smart grids, and innovative ideas to enhance the efficiency of its electricity supply system and to better position itself to meet its energy needs. This article presents a number of initiatives conducted by Singapore government agencies, universities, and R&D centers and their results and progress so far toward achieving the goal of a sustainable, economic, and secure electricity supply system in Singapore. Certain problems encountered in executing these initiatives are discussed and reported, along with future plans. july/august /12/$ IEEE IEEE power & energy magazine 65

2 Transforming Singapore s Power Industry Energy Sources and Electricity Generation Following the liberalization of its electricity market in 2003, Singapore shifted the main energy source used in electricity generation from fuel oil to natural gas. Natural gas currently accounts for 81% of electricity generation, while fuel oil supplies 15%. Synthesis gas (syngas), refuse incineration, and diesel together provide the remaining 4%. Gas-fired combined-cycle generation turbines (CCGT) are not only more efficient but also cleaner, with carbon emissions that are about half of those from fuel oil fired steam plants. To meet the growing demand for electricity and to enhance its energy security, Singapore has embarked on the development of a S$1.5 billion, government-funded liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal facility, as shown in Figure 1. Construction of the LNG receiving terminal has already begun on Jurong Island, and it will be ready for operation in This facility will help to meet Singapore s growing gas needs through domestic LNG regasification. It will reduce the country s reliance on pipeline imports of natural gas from peninsular Malaysia and Indonesia. It will also pave the way for Singapore to undertake ancillary activities, such as LNG trading. Singapore s generation capacity grew at an average annual rate of around 3% from 2003 to About 70% of the generation capacity is located in the western part of Singapore. Land has been set aside for a new generation plant to be built in the northeast region. Electricity consumption in Singapore is very much linked to GDP. Maximum demand has increased by almost 73% in recent years, from 3,485 MW in 1995 to 6,041 MW in Demand was expected to increase at an annual rate of 2.5% to 3.0% from 2010 onward. Peak demand in 2011 was around 6,500 MW. In Singapore, the minimum reserve margin is set at 30% above annual peak demand. Given the current plans for new generation facilities, i.e., Tuas Power Generation s 102-MW steam turbine in 2012, Keppel Merlimau Cogen s two 420- MW CCGTs in 2013, GMR Energy s two 400-MW CCGTs in 2013 and 2014, Tuas Power Generation s 400-MW CCGT in , SembCorp Cogen s 400-MW CCGT in 2014, and Tuaspring Pte Ltd. s 410-MW CCGT, the reserve margin is projected to be well above 30% over the next ten years. Ensuring a Resilient Infrastructure Electricity in Singapore is transmitted at 400 kv, 230 kv, and 66 kv, and distributed at 22 kv, 6.6 kv, and 400/230 V to Qatar Unload Japan Load Unload Singapore Fully Loaded Vessel Empty Vessel LNG Regasification Terminals LNG Liquefaction Terminals (Suppliers) Australia Load Singapore LNG Terminal Location of LNG-Receiving Terminal (Jurong Island) Japan Qatar Large Cargo Smaller Cargo (On-Selling) Singapore (Gas Stockpiling) figure 1. The planned Singapore LNG terminal facility (source: SLNG Corporation). 66 IEEE power & energy magazine july/august 2012

3 The Singapore Sustainable Blueprint has set a target that aims to improve energy efficiency by 35% from 2005 levels by more than 1.2 million customers. Singapore Power PowerGrid (SPPG) maintains the electricity transmission network; it also operates and maintains the electricity distribution network in Singapore. Currently, SPPG maintains more than 10,000 substations, 41,000 switchgear units, 14,000 transformers, and 29,000 km of cables in a 100% underground cable network. The system average interruption duration index (SAIDI) and system average interruption frequency index (SAIFI) are two commonly used indicators that measure the reliability of power utility networks. The SAIDI represents the average outage duration in minutes for each customer served, and the SAIFI represents the average number of interruptions a customer experiences in a year. The reliability of the power supply in Singapore is among the best in the world. In fiscal year (FY) , SPPG achieved a SAIDI of 0.31 min and a SAIFI of SPPG s strategy is to have in place systematic and effective preventive programs that will avert network failures that can lead to power outages or voltage dips. In the rare cases in which an outage occurs, SPPG officers are always ready to contain the impact of the network incident by dispatching mobile generators to the outage site. The SPPG transmission system is connected to Malaysia s National Grid via two 230-kV submarine cables with a transmission capacity of 250 MW each. The 230-kV double-circuit lines were set up to help the two countries during emergencies and power shortages. Under normal operating conditions, there are hardly any real energy transactions between Singapore and Malaysia other than inadvertent energy exchanges due to load frequency deviations between the two automatic generation control (AGC) areas. Over the long term, however, there are plans for Singapore to import electricity from Malaysia (possibly from the Bakun hydroelectricity plant in Sarawak) and from neighboring countries such as Indonesia. Completion of the necessary Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) interconnection grid infrastructure is required before these plans can be implemented. Microgrids and Smart Grids The energy management system (EMS) of Singapore s Power System Control Center (PSCC) monitors and controls the MW dispatch in the generation system and power flows in the 400-kV, 230-kV, and 66-kV transmission system. The national nerve center of the electricity generation and transmission system is equipped with state-of-the-art power applications that perform functions such as state estimation, optimal power flow, steady-state security assessment, shortterm load forecasting, and AGC, all as part of the EMS. The Power System Operation Division of Singapore s Energy Market Authority (EMA) manages the EMS. PSCC s distribution management system (DMS) monitors and controls the 22-kV and 6.6-kV distribution system. The DMS is managed by SPPG. It includes state-of-the-art applications such as a power restoration system, an outage management system (OMS), and a geographical information system (GIS). During power outages, these applications serve as tools to assist SPPG personnel in quickly locating the distribution fault and to reduce the time it takes to restore the power supply. Both the EMS and DMS provide the necessary intelligence for managing the generators in the power plants, the power system components at the substations, and the transmission and distribution lines connecting the substations. Microgrids that form part of the smart grid can provide intelligence for monitoring and control, especially for those distribution grids and substations that are not fully monitored and controlled by the PSCC. They can play a significant role as a platform for incorporation of renewable and alternative energy sources; energy storage systems; combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP); and CHP (combined heat and power). They can also enable better load management, which can include interruptible loads at large industrial, commercial, and residential centers. The incorporation of these new energy sources, energy storage systems, and load management techniques in Singapore is expected to increase many times in the foreseeable future. As of April 2011, for example, there was a total installed capacity of 3.5 megawatt peak (MWp) at grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) installations in Singapore. The launch of a PV project in 2011 by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) of Singapore that aims to test solar energy in 30 housing precincts would add another 2 MWp of grid-connected PV installations as part of the government s effort to introduce clean and renewable energy. Installation of large-scale energy storage systems and their bidirectional power converter systems is still not economical and is unattractive at this time in Singapore without government s subsidies. Electric vehicles (EVs), which are two to three times more efficient and less polluting than internal combustion engines, are slowly catching the attention of government agencies in Singapore, however. In October 2010, an interagency EV task force led by EMA and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) awarded Robert Bosch (SEA) the contract to deploy, operate, and maintain EV charging infrastructure in Singapore. A total of 63 charging stations 60 normal charging stations, which take about eight hours to charge the july/august 2012 IEEE power & energy magazine 67

4 Singapore has embarked on the development of a S$1.5 billion, government-funded liquefied natural gas terminal facility. EV battery, and three quick-charging stations, which take about 45 min to charge the EV battery will be installed in Singapore by the end of On 25 June 2011, the EV task force launched the Singapore EV test bed. Currently, 25 EVs, 18 normal charging stations, and one quick-charging station have been introduced. The test bed focuses on gathering data and knowledge to guide planning for the future deployment of EVs, including the optimal ratio of charging stations to vehicles. Its objective is to test and gauge different EV prototypes and charging technologies and determine which ones best suit Singapore s urbanized environment and road conditions before rolling them out for mass adoption. As of June 2011, Singapore has 10,300 MW of total installed generating capacity. About 20% employs CHP and CCHP, which harness cogeneration and trigeneration. This number compares favorably with that of the United States, where less than 3% of electricity supply is in the form of CHP and cogeneration. Installations include a 4.8-MW CCHP plant at Pfizer Asia Pacific, a 9.6-MW CCHP plant at MSD International GmbH, a 785-MW CHP plant at Semb- Corp Cogen, a 2x250-MW CHP plant at Keppel Merlimau Cogen, and a 2x370-MW CHP plant at PowerSeraya. In the current Singapore electricity market, a large consumer can offer to have its load interrupted in times of supply shortage. The consumer can participate directly in the spinning reserve market or indirectly through a licensed electricity retailer that provides interruptible load services. During normal operation, the consumer can earn revenue if its interrupted load capacity is selected by the spinning reserve market. In return, the selected interruptible load gives up its right to consume electricity when a supply shortage occurs during an emergency. Promoting R&D Activities We will now describe various R&D activities undertaken by universities and energy research initiatives conducted by EMA and the Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR). Test beds for close-to-market technologies established by various government agencies will also be presented. The Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) was launched at National University of Singapore (NUS) in It has been established to conduct industryoriented R&D and train specialist manpower for the solar energy sector through an investment of S$130 million over a span of five years. SERIS is jointly sponsored by NUS and the Economic Development Board (EDB). It has also partnered with the VDE Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies and the Fraunhofer Institute of Solar Energy Systems to offer a comprehensive range of PV testing services, a first in Southeast Asia. These tests, done in accordance with international standards, will qualify regionally produced products for the international market. SERIS s main R&D areas are silicon solar cells and modules (wafer and thin-film), organic (plastic) solar cells, solar and energy-efficient buildings, solar energy systems, and PV module performance analysis. The Energy Research Institute at NTU (ERI@N), launched at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in 2009, was set up to develop industry-oriented innovations and train specialists in the clean energy area through an investment of S$60 million over a five-year span. ERI@N is jointly sponsored by NTU and EDB. It has set up collaborative projects with Bosch GmbH, Vestas Technology R&D Singapore, and Rolls-Royce Singapore Pte Ltd. in the areas of PV, wind turbines, and fuel cells, respectively. ERI@N focuses on sustainable energy, energy efficiency and infrastructure, and the socioeconomic aspects of energy research. It provides a unique platform where various disciplines interact to explore new solutions to a host of issues, including energy generation, harnessing, storage, distribution, and efficiency. ERI@N s main research areas are energy storage and fuel cells, green and smart buildings, maritime energy, wind and marine renewable energy, solar energy and fuels, and electromobility. Many of these research activities are carried out in collaboration with various industrial partners and overseas universities. For example, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and NTU joined forces for an electromobility project, sponsored by the National Research Foundation (NRF). The project was officially launched in April In July 2007, A*STAR s Science and Engineering Research Council (SERC) launched a number of research programs and initiatives focused on clean energy. Among them were a thematic workshop on intelligent energy distribution systems (IEDS) and setting up an experimental power grid center (EPGC). The IEDS workshop focused on research into sensor and communication technologies, power control and distribution devices and software, and advanced energy management. In March 2008, ten IEDS projects were selected and awarded a total grant of S$8 million. There were two projects in novel sensors and instrumentation, two projects in reliable and secure communications and data transmission, three projects in smart and optimized operation and control of distributed energy resources and microgrids, one project in energy 68 IEEE power & energy magazine july/august 2012

5 In the current Singapore electricity market, a large consumer can offer to have its load interrupted in times of supply shortage. trading and billing management systems, and two projects in energy storage and integrated energy technologies. The S$38 million EPGC has been established as a research unit within A*STAR to support the development of next-generation grid technology in Singapore. A 1-MW experimental microgrid on Jurong Island was completed in November EPGC s research in core areas such as intelligent power distribution, renewable penetration, and plugn-produce distributed energy resources (DERs) is focused on finding quick adoption technologies for industry partners and public agencies working with EPGC. EPGC and sister research institutes work with Institutions of Higher Learning to develop manpower for the smart grid economy. In December 2009, EMA launched a request for proposal named Smart Energy Challenge (SEC), under the Energy Research Development Fund, to provide financial support for the implementation of new and innovative solutions to diversify Singapore s energy sources and improve its energy security, achieve Singapore s energy intensity reduction targets, and develop Singapore s energy industry. The inaugural SEC call launched by EMA attracted more than 80 proposals from tertiary institutions, research entities, and companies. Five projects were eventually awarded S$10 million in funding. They were: 1) developing a 20-MW distributed virtual power plant (demand-response system) 2) investigating issues affecting optimal industrial anaerobic process applications 3) developing an intelligent high-performance battery system for electric vehicles 4) developing cybersecurity and secure intelligent electronics devices for the EV ecosystem in the smart grid 5) developing a unity power factor adjustable speed drive for industry energy efficiency. In November 2009, EMA embarked on a project to develop an intelligent microgrid with renewable energy technologies on Pulau Ubin to be used as a test bed for closeto-market technologies. Earlier studies conducted by EMA showed that it was not economically feasible to power the island of Pulau Ubin using a 2.4-km submarine power cable to the main Singapore island. One of the principal reasons for this is that the island s energy demand is low, since Pulau Ubin has a population of only a few hundred residents. The island has little industrial load and only a handful of building loads. The proposed off-grid concept will displace the diesel generators currently being used by organizations, small businesses, and individual homes on the island. The project will showcase how clean and renewable energy can be deployed in an environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable manner for an off-grid community. Pulau Ubin will also host a number of plug-and-play test bed facilities for various clean and renewable energy solutions. In July 2011, the research team at NTU completed the S$1.32 million Microgrid Energy Management System (MG-EMS) project funded by A*STAR. The main objective of this project was to conduct research in the design of MG-EMS. This included the design of software algorithms, control schemes, and hardware prototypes. The software designed for MG-EMS will be responsible for decision making in managing the microgrid. In addition to monitoring and control, MG-EMS will predict total customer loads (fixed and variable) and perform economic scheduling of DERs and MW/MVAR rescheduling for active management within MG-EMS. Furthermore, to achieve maximum benefits, price-responsive elastic loads will be managed and unutilized resources allocated to supply energy services to the electricity market. These will open up room for new services and new opportunities. Realizing improved energy efficiency and thermal energy utilization will help power management at the distribution level, process optimization, reliability, and responsiveness to market changes. The other important aspect of the project was to design hardware controllers and demonstrate how the proposed prototype can coordinate and schedule one or more DERs and price-sensitive loads. A Web-based sever has been set up for interfacing with local DERs, loads, distribution networks, and market operators. This is well supported by implementation of the advanced sensing and communication system that focuses on the deployment of MG-EMS in the existing distribution network via wireline and wireless communication and control. To achieve and validate the research objectives, a prototype of the microgrid, illustrated in Figure 2, was developed in the Laboratory for Clean Energy Research (LaCER) at NTU. A number of traditional and renewable energy sources, including synchronous generators, solar PVs, wind turbines, fuel cells, and battery banks are connected in the LaCER microgrid. Power converters are designed to interface with different energy sources, and control algorithms are implemented to allow both grid connection and islanded operations. The existing low-voltage (LV) distribution panel in LaCER is integrated as simulated industrial/commercial and housing loads. The entire system is controlled by MG- EMS in the LAN-based server system. The proposed system incorporates software programs that manage sensing july/august 2012 IEEE power & energy magazine 69

6 With the introduction of competition in power generation through electricity market operations, the average energy efficiency in power plants has improved steadily. information and perform load and generation management. Software modules, including those for load forecasting, unit commitment, AGC, network topology processing, state estimation, and optimal power flow have been developed for controlling and monitoring different aspects of power management in a centralized server system. The programming was coded using the MATLAB programming tools and National Instruments graphical system design tools. The microgrid and MG-EMS developed can be used for as test beds for future DERs, storage devices, and control schemes. Using the MG-EMS as a base, the developed system has been incorporated in a shipyard project, a land-based EMS (LEMS) with renewable energy resources and shore power applications. The objectives of the LEMS project are to explore new business opportunities for powering vessels via such an LEMS; to incorporate renewable energy resources such as PV power and CCHP or CHP microturbines; and to enhance the efficiency of the LEMS by optimizing its energy storage, electrical energy generation, load, and electric energy sales to and purchases from upstream networks. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has limited the sulphur content of marine fuels to less than 4.5% (effective from now), 3.5% by 2012, and 0.5% by Diesel is still cheaper for generating electricity on ships, but it is more polluting than natural gas, which as stated earlier is used as the main fuel source for generating electricity in Singapore. To adhere to IMO s guidelines, it makes sense to switch to shore power when ships are at berth. Shore power in most countries is often derived from land-based electrical generation systems powered by cleaner fuels than diesel. DSO MV 1 MVA 22/0.4-kV Transformer ` MG-EMS School of EEE, NTU, 2008 LV 5 kwp PV Converter Circuit Breaker dc ac ac dc HDB Housing Load SM ac Grid: Three-Phase 400 V Converter 5-kW Fuel Cell SM DSO: Distribution System Operator MG-EMS: Microgrid Energy Management System : Intelligent Energy Sensor SM: Smart Meter MV: Medium Voltage LV: Low Voltage SM Commercial Load Converter ac dc ac ac dc 5-kW Wind Turbine Industrial Load + Converter Energy Storage (Battery, Supercapacitor, or Flywheel) figure 2. The microgrid architecture developed at LaCER. 70 IEEE power & energy magazine july/august 2012

7 In the LEMS project, a generation system that includes renewable energy resources such as PV installations and CHP or CCHP microturbines and a lithium-ion energy storage system is proposed. To manage all of these energy resources, the LEMS incorporates the following elements: Optimization of power generation based on the LEMS load forecast and upstream electricity tariff Efficiency enhancement initiatives such as power loss, reactive power management, and power factor correction for each electrical load facility Demand-response management (DRM) to facilitate load control or short-term load reduction during periods of high time-of-use (TOU) electricity prices Peak shaving through the use of an energy storage system and the LEMS s own generation resources Maximum demand management to avoid paying uncontracted capacity charges, which can be as high as 50% more when compared with contracted capacity charges A business model for shore power and revenue generation by selling electrical power to ships at berth Renewable energy sources for a greener shipyard and a smaller carbon footprint A performance-monitoring system to track performance statistics for each electrical load facility, e.g., dry dock EV battery chargers for hybrid forklifts and hybrid cherry pickers (converted from diesel engines) Microturbines for CCHP or CHP. Figure 3 shows an interface diagram for the LEMS. Embarking on New Initiatives Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Storage MG-EMS Funded by A*STAR Upstream Networks Performance Monitoring System figure 3. Interface diagram for the LEMS. Demand-Side Management (DSM) Like many countries, Singapore operates an electricity market. Energy Market Company (EMC), a joint venture of M-Co of New Zealand and EMA, is responsible for managing and clearing the electricity market every half hour. The electricity price offers submitted by generation companies are arranged in ascending order, as shown in the supply curves in Figure 4. The system demand is the half-hourly load forecast value obtained from the power system operator (PSO) of EMA. Currently, the demand in Singapore is perfectly inelastic. This means that the demand curve is the vertical line dictated by the load forecast value shown in Figure 4(a). The marketclearing price (MCP) is based on the fundamentals of supply and demand, taking into consideration the market and system constraints. Currently, the retailers and market service support licensee (MSSL) are price takers, as the market does not have demand-side bidding. Contestable consumers in Singapore are permitted to have contractual agreements with retailers for their power consumption. They can also choose to remain with the MSSL, which will offer them the wholesale market electricity price. Noncontestable consumers are charged at a fixed electricity tariff that is revised quarterly by the MSSL. The noncontestable consumers do not have any incentives to defer the use of electricity, as their electricity tariff is the same throughout the 24-hour period. By introducing TOU tariffs for noncontestable consumers, DSM can provide greater load elasticity, as consumers Price (US$/MWh) Price (US$/MWh) Interruptible Loads Microgrid Energy Management System EV Battery Chargers Control and/or Communication P E P E (a) Q E Q E (b) Peak Shaving and DRAM Efficiency Enhancement Initiatives Maximum Demand Business Model for Shore Power Microturbines Energy Flow Supply Curve Demand Curve Quantity (MWh) Quantity (MWh) figure 4. Determination of electricity price (a) without DSM and (b) with DSM. july/august 2012 IEEE power & energy magazine 71

8 The Intelligent Energy System () Pilot Project Conceptual Overview An energy ecosystem connecting intelligent homes, vehicles, communities, electricity network sensors, and sources of green generation to promote reliability, sustainability, and energy efficiency. Intelligent communications use wireless technologies and powerlines for real-time interactions. Smart meters relay energy usage and pricing information between consumers and electricity providers. Intelligent homes empower households with home automation systems centrally or remotely to control energy consumption. Web portals and in-home displays allow consumers to proactively monitor their energy consumption. Intelligent electric vehicles can be recharged from green sources or when energy is cheapest; supporting costeffective transport, with zerotail-pipe emissions. Solar Panels Demand response management systems in homes, office buildings, and industries enable users to monitor and optimize their energy usage. Intelligent generation can reduce overall demand on the power grid by making use of intermittent energy sources, e.g., solar panels, to support the local grid with green energy. Central management system gathers information from smart meters to regulate the flow of power so that supply and demand of electricity is always in balance. Intelligent offices adjust cooling and lighting depanding on real-time costs and needs. Industry Intelligent energy storage store electricity generated off peak for later use. figure 5. A detailed interface diagram of the project. 72 IEEE power & energy magazine july/august 2012

9 Back End Comms Household Water Meter Gas Meter Information Current Tariff in cents/kwh (Basic) Instant Usage Rate in kwh and US$/hour (Basic) Consumption Analysis (Advanced) Credit Balance (Prepaid) Credit Top-Up Messages (Prepaid) MDMS/NMS IHD Home Automation Network Meter Box Concentrator Customer Energy Portal Information Month to Date and Monthly Bill Estimate Billing History Hourly, Daily, and Monthly Energy Consumption Data Message and Alert Message Board Internet Functionality Energy Cost and Consumption Monitoring Individual Power Outlet Monitoring Load Control Storage HA Information Billing Information Energy Consumption Information Energy Reduction Information Functionality Calculate Energy Costs Compare Monthly Bills Analyze Cost-Saving Measures Select and Purchase Electricity Packages figure 6. Coordination of household appliances for DRM in a residential unit. can defer the use of electricity to a time when the electricity tariff becomes lower. They may also have the option of using their own electricity generation. When this happens, the demand curve in Figure 4(b) tends to shift to the lower left, resulting in a lower MCP. The intelligent energy system () pilot project launched by EMA in November 2010 will eventually equip some 4,000 buildings and residential units with smart meters. The project will entail the development of an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and the associated smart grid applications. Figure 5 is a detailed interface diagram of the project. Its ultimate objectives are to provide customers with TOU tariffs and a choice of electricity suppliers; to automate electricity meter reading; to interface the meter data management system (MDMS) with the GIS and OMS, which will enhance the level of customer service response during supply interruptions; to enable better integration and monitoring of EV charging, distributed generators, and interruptible loads; and to promote DSM. Figure 6 shows how the smart meter interfaces with home automation (HA) and the portable in-home display (IHD) unit using wireless technology. The digital electricity meter could also be integrated with the gas and water meters in a dwelling so that all meter readings can be sent back to a data concentrator. From the data concentrator, the data are transmitted via broadband optical fiber or a 3G communication link to the MDMS. A portion of the data collected at the MDMS is also copied onto a customer energy portal. Consumers can log on to the customer energy portal to view their energy consumption and billing information. Web-based software tools are provided so that customers can july/august 2012 IEEE power & energy magazine 73

10 Singapore has been actively pursuing the clean energy ecosystem vision by promoting energy efficiency and energy conservation. compute their monthly energy costs and compare them with the national average household consumption for families of the same size for that month. Greater awareness of electricity consumption may prompt consumers to reduce energy use so as to bring their electricity bills down. Analytical tools at the portal will let consumers analyze various cost-saving measures at home and select and purchase electricity packages that suit their lifestyles. Energy Efficiency Initiatives Singapore has been actively pursuing the clean energy ecosystem vision by promoting energy efficiency and energy conservation. The Singapore Sustainable Blueprint (SSB) has set a target that aims to improve energy efficiency by 35% from 2005 levels by Between 1990 and 2005, Singapore s energy intensity improved by 15%. The power generation, industry, and transport sectors are the largest consumers of fuel in Singapore. Since 2002, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has completed 167 energy conservation projects in Singapore, which helped GSK keep its energy consumption constant even as production increased by 40%. Exxon Mobil Chemical Ltd. s Singapore Olefins Plant has incorporated energy efficiency in its furnace design by recovering heat from the cracking furnace. This heat is then used to generate high-pressure steam that drives compressors. In 2007, the Energy Efficiency Program Office (E 2 PO) was established to drive energy efficiency in Singapore. It is a multiagency committee led by the National Environmental Agency (NEA) and EMA. It promotes energy efficiency adoption, builds energy efficiency capability, and supports awareness of energy-efficient technologies. With the introduction of competition in power generation through electricity market operations, the average energy efficiency in power plants has improved steadily, as generation companies need to keep their costs of operation down. For example, in 2010 PowerSeraya Ltd. replaced its three oilfired steam units with an 800-MW natural gas fired cogeneration plant. This not only improved the plant s energy efficiency but also reduced its overall CO 2 emissions by 10%. Industry, buildings, and households are the primary consumers of electricity in Singapore. The 5-MW trigeneration plant installed at Pfizer has reduced its annual utility costs by about 8% and its annual CO 2 emissions by about 17%. In Singapore s mass rapid transit (MRT) system, regenerated energy from braking trains is channeled through an inverter, to be utilized by the MRT station or by accelerating trains. In the buildings sector, SingPost retrofitted its air-conditioning system and optimized its performance, at a cost of S$2 million but the expected annual energy savings is S$1.2 million. Using light sensors, the lighting control system at the National Library dims or switches off lighting when there is sufficient natural light to illuminate the building s interior. As part of the E 2 PO s effort in raising awareness of energy-efficient technologies, energy labels are affixed to household appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners at the point of sale to provide information about their energy performance. The information empowers consumers to make informed choices about the products they buy so they can better manage their home energy bills. Leveraging innovative ideas and technologies and promoting energy efficiency will not only enable Singapore to address climate change and energy issues but will also open up a window of opportunity for growth in key energy areas, without any loss in industrial production, business activity, or living comfort. Acknowledgment H.B. Gooi and P.L. So would like to acknowledge the grant support provided by A*STAR under the MG-EMS project (grant ). For Further Reading Energy Market Authority, Singapore. (2011). Statement of Opportunities, [Online]. Available: Energy Market Company, Singapore. (2012). Market Report, January to December [Online]. Available: Energy Efficiency Programme Office. (2009). E2 Singapore. [Online]. Available: energy-efficiency-programme-office.html A*STAR Web site. (2011). A*STAR s Experimental Power Grid Centre. [Online]. Available: Microgrid Energy Management System (MG-EMS) Web site. (2008). Microgrid Energy Management System. [Online]. Available: Biographies H.B. Gooi is with NTU, Singapore. P.L. So is with NTU, Singapore. E.K. Chan is with EMA, Singapore. E. Toh is with EMA, Singapore. H. Gan is with EMC, Singapore. p&e 74 IEEE power & energy magazine july/august 2012